Lakewood, Colo., USA — Applications are now available for the Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies 2020 Advancing Apheresis award. This year, the award is open to healthcare providers increasing access to apheresis for patients with sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease that can cause pain and may put patients at increased risk for infections and stroke.1 The disease causes red blood cells to form an abnormal crescent shape, and it especially affects people with ancestors from Africa, India, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies are on a mission to contribute to society through healthcare. This grant is an opportunity for providers to obtain grant funding that supports their efforts to improve access to apheresis therapy for sickle cell patients. Access to care is the most important aspect of managing a chronic disease. Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to apheresis therapy so that patients may have the opportunity to improve their quality of life.
-Regis Leonard, Vice President, Therapeutic Systems, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
Now in its seventh year, the Advancing Apheresis Award is part of our commitment to supporting those who improve patient care using therapeutic apheresis.
The grant has a different focus each year. Last year's winner, the National Health Service Blood and Transplant in Filton, UK, is using the educational grant to help fund its ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access training program. The program's aim is to help improve experiences and outcomes for patients who undergo apheresis procedures.
The Advancing Apheresis USD $10,000 grant is open to healthcare providers worldwide. The winner will be chosen by an external committee of key opinion leaders. Considerations include patient care, impact to the community and the applicant's history of demonstrating educational leadership.
Applications must be received in English by 15 January 2021. Learn more at TERUMOBCT.COM/AdvancingApheresis.
Therapeutic apheresis involves the separation and removal of blood components. Healthcare providers can use the Spectra Optia® Apheresis System from Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies to perform a red blood cell exchange for the management of sickle cell disease. Availability of therapeutic apheresis varies by geographic location. It can be used to treat and manage a variety of conditions.
About Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical device company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our associates around the world believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. TERUMOBCT.COM
1Cabibbo S, Fidone C, Garozzo G, et al. Chronic red blood cell exchange to prevent clinical complications in sickle cell disease. Transfusion and Apheresis Science. 2005:32(3):315-321.